How common are transmission problems on the 2018 Toyota Highlander?

NHTSA lists 65 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2018 Highlander, making up 25% of the 265 total complaints filed for that model year.

At what mileage do 2018 Highlander transmissions typically fail?

The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA is 92,000 miles.

Is there a recall for the 2018 Toyota Highlander transmission?

No related recall is listed in NHTSA data for this issue on the 2018 Highlander.

What symptoms do owners report before transmission failure?

Owners most often report a whining or howling noise, sometimes followed by rough idling, hesitation, or a sudden loss of power.

Is the 2018 Highlander worse than other years for transmission issues?

Complaint share for this problem area is 25% in 2018, lower than 2017 (27%), 2019 (40%), 2020 (40%), and 2021 (43%), but higher than most years from 2010-2016.

2018 Toyota Highlander Transmission & Powertrain Problems

NHTSA lists 65 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2018 Toyota Highlander, 25% of all 265 complaints filed for the year. Median mileage at failure is 92,000, and no related recall covers this issue.

Transmission & Powertrain complaints: 65; 25% of 265
Crashes reported: 0
Fires reported: 0
Injuries reported: 0
Median mileage: 92,000 mi
Related recalls: 0

Typical transmission symptoms owners report

Owners report a growing whining or howling noise from the transmission, often starting around highway speeds above 30mph and worsening over time.
Several owners describe the transmission failing outright, requiring full replacement, with dealers linking the noise to a known Toyota customer support bulletin that does not cover the 2018 model year.
Some drivers report hesitation or delayed acceleration from a stop, with the engine revving high before the vehicle moves, described as unsafe when merging or passing.
A few complaints describe sudden loss of power while driving, with multiple warning lights (check engine, AWD, traction control) illuminating at once.
One owner reported jerking, lurching, and erratic throttle response that occurred intermittently and resolved after restarting the vehicle.
One complaint described a related engine issue diagnosed as needing cylinder head assembly replacement, accompanied by a check engine light and loss of AWD/traction control.

When 2018 Toyota Highlander transmission complaints were filed

First complaint Apr 22, 2019, latest Sep 14, 2026.

65 complaints filed with NHTSA from Apr 2019 to Sep 2026; peak Jan 2026 (7).

Transmission & Powertrain recalls for the 2018 Toyota Highlander

No safety recalls on record for this model year.

Transmission & Powertrain complaints by Highlander model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

200551 (23%)
200622 (8%)
20078 (7%)
200818 (4%)
20097 (5%)
20106 (3%)
201116 (9%)
20127 (4%)
201311 (5%)
20148 (6%)
20157 (4%)
20161 (1%)
201773 (27%)
201865 (25%)
2019195 (40%)
2020125 (40%)
2021222 (43%)
202253 (21%)
202320 (11%)
20243 (7%)
20250 (0%)

Frequently asked questions

How common are transmission problems on the 2018 Toyota Highlander?: NHTSA lists 65 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2018 Highlander, making up 25% of the 265 total complaints filed for that model year.
At what mileage do 2018 Highlander transmissions typically fail?: The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA is 92,000 miles.
Is there a recall for the 2018 Toyota Highlander transmission?: No related recall is listed in NHTSA data for this issue on the 2018 Highlander.
What symptoms do owners report before transmission failure?: Owners most often report a whining or howling noise, sometimes followed by rough idling, hesitation, or a sudden loss of power.
Is the 2018 Highlander worse than other years for transmission issues?: Complaint share for this problem area is 25% in 2018, lower than 2017 (27%), 2019 (40%), 2020 (40%), and 2021 (43%), but higher than most years from 2010-2016.